ePetition details

Campaign to review chicane at Royate Hill Viaduct

We the undersigned request that Bristol City Council review the chicane at Royal Hill viaduct, due to on-going issues which impact upon local residents, and which also presents a continually increasing risk to pedestrians and cyclists; we further request that consideration be given to proposed solutions.

History

For many decades, traffic was able to pass freely both ways
beneath the viaduct. This was until a chicane was installed, with a
priority. It is understood that this followed a collision into the
wall of the viaduct in the early hours one morning by a drunken
driver. We understand that there was no consultation with local
residents prior to the installation of the chicane, nor any
assessment into its impact. Exacerbated by the closure of Greenbank
Road, the installation has resulted in the following issues:

• Continually increasing sounding of horns by challenged
motorists
• Continually increasing levels of air pollution caused by
idling traffic, particularly during the evening commute
period
• Continually increasing risk to pedestrians and cyclists due
to speeding vehicles vying to reach the chicane
• An unpleasant walking and cycling environment

Proposed solutions

• That the western pedestrian footpath be diverted around
the viaduct arch. This could be either a supported raised gantry
construction or of a masonry construction
• Removal of the current chicane and the priority for right of
way; installation of a yellow box junction to minimise risk of
carriageway obstruction
• Installation of a pedestrian refuge approximately 50 metres
south of the viaduct
• A 20 mph limit along the length of Royate Hill and Gordon
Road

Benefits of proposals

• A reduction in noise pollution from frustrated commuters
sounding their horns
• A reduction in air pollution from idling traffic
• A reduction in traffic speed
• Improved safety for road users
• Improved safety for pedestrians and cyclists
• Enable pedestrians to view the Coombe Brook, situated within
Royate Hill Local Nature Reserve
• Improved diversity for Royate Hill Local Nature Reserve (as
observed by Parks Development Officer)
• Improved ‘natural surveillance’ of the Coombe
Brook, situated within Royate Hill Local Nature Reserve (as
observed by Parks Development Officer)
• A better local environment